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4w ago

Tasmania Orders Hellyer Gold Mine to Shut as Authority Revoked

Regulators cite unpaid royalties to the Crown alongside persistent non-compliance as grounds for the stop-work order.

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The troubles at Hellyer mine appear to have stemmed from the high cost of a transition to underground mining. Picture: file.
Resources Minister Felix Ellis ordered Hellyer Gold Mines to cease operations over compliance and debt issues, prompting the company's chief exectuive to accuse the government of having "ulterior motives" to force a sale, with bids already topping $100 million.

Overview

  • Mineral Resources Tasmania revoked Hellyer’s authority to mine under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 following a government direction to cease operations.
  • Officials and reports put unpaid royalties to the state at about $1 million, while the industry council says debts to contractors and suppliers run to many millions.
  • Regulators are coordinating a safe cessation with the Environment Protection Authority and WorkSafe Tasmania, and the government is offering assistance to affected staff.
  • Reporting indicates workforce impacts ranging from roughly 20–30 roles to about 70 positions as the scaled-back operation halts.
  • CEO Graham Cox rejects the decision as reckless, says the company has cooperated and repaid significant legacy sums, and is seeking intervention from Premier Jeremy Rockliff.